Meet Estani Frizzell | Singer/Songwriter/Children’s Book Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Estani Frizzell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Estani, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
I believe we all have an intuitive knowing within ourselves. For some, being in tune with that deep inner wisdom is more prevalent. Regardless of how many times we think the outcome didn’t work out in our favor, we just ‘know” it’s going to happen. It’s complete faith. The “when” is a different story.

However, if that conviction remains steadfast in your mind, body, and soul, you have to trust it and continue towards the vision set forth by your intuition. Trust is such a crucial factor as well in knowing when it’s time to move forward, recharge and lay low, or change direction. People will only trust you as much as you trust yourself. That is a fundamental part of this knowing whether to keep going or give up.

When you’re following that passion and/or dream in your heart, I don’t necessarily believe there’s a “giving up”. I feel there may be a course change where something has been revealed to you to take another path, try something new, a profound insight of something better for you that wasn’t seen before. It doesn’t mean you gave up on your dream, I believe it means that, through listening to your intuitive knowing and following the initial path you wanted, you stumble upon the path you never knew you needed. Either way, it’s a win/win. Follow your intuition, and the rest will be revealed.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I consider myself a latin jazz neo soul artist. I grew up loving neo soul and R&B (Erykah Badu, Mary J Blige, Jill Scott, Sade, Anita Baker, etc..). The list goes on! With that being said, I also was raised in an environment where cumbias, tejano, and rancheras were played in our house all day. I feel that with these prevalent musical influences, I have been able to grow with a sound that can harness the flavors of what best represents all sides of me!

At this moment what I am most proud of is the children’s book my daughter and I worked on together. I am the author and she is the illustrator of “Introducing Sai Peacock: The Unique Beak”. Because of y background in music, I of course wrote a 4 song EP for it as well as an audio book. The 2nd book in the series will be coming out in Summer 2024!

I am most excited about a few music projects that are on the horizon! I have an EP starting production in October and a project to honor my grandmother’s music from her days as a vocalist. I found her 45’s and will be rerecording them along with a duet (or two) with my grandmother.

The road traveled to get to where I am today has been full of detours, turnarounds, red lights, and of course, the green lights to move forward. It has not been easy, however, looking back, I can honestly say I am grateful for the setbacks and hold ups. It really made me aware of my own resilience and determination as a person, as well as my commitment to myself in finding a way to make things happen. I had my daughter at a time when things were really starting to pick up for me as a vocalist. I had to make a decision since circumstances would have me raising her alone in LA with no family. It was literally just the two of us. So, I had to make a hard stop with everything musical for a moment and decide to commit my life to my baby. I had to quit a tour I was on since I could no longer travel and perform under the circumstances. I moved back to Texas briefly, then became a full time teacher in LA, worked summer camps, tutored, anything to make ends meet and allowed me to be with my daughter full time. Eventually, I found small gigs in the evening, and would finish teaching/grading papers, pack up my PA, ask one of the families from school if they could babysit my daughter, and go sing again. It was very difficult and, looking back, I don’t know how I did it, or if I could do it again.

It all goes back to that inner knowing and intuitive gut feeling. I always knew/felt there was something “more”:, something “bigger: than those difficult moments. However that feeling of “something bigger” is defined is different for each person. I just knew I had to get through and prove to myself that I could.

My story/brand is about resilience, strength, defining who you are, and regardless of the time frame, never giving up on yourself and your dream.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, one place I always love to go is Runyon Canyon. Not only does it have beautiful views of the city, it’s just a great place to go to clear your head, get out in nature, and exercise. After, I’d definitely visit Inn of the 7th Ray near Malibu, It’s a beautiful home-like restaurant that is nestled within the canyons around Malibu. It’s all farm to table fresh food and they have a boutique mystic shops right outside the restaurant. If you’re into crystals, tarot, astrology, metaphysics, you can get lost in this store.

Larchmont is another area I love that just has a chill vibe and lots of cute boutique shops along with their weekly farmers market. I always stop at Jeni’s Ice Cream when I’m on Larchmont. So Good!!

There is one road in SIlverlake/Echo Park that I love to show anyone who visits. I wish I could remember the street name! I definitely know how to get there. It literally feels like a ride in and of itself. The road feels like a 90 degree drop when you’re at the top. It is so steep, you can’t see the other side when beginning the descent. We always think we’ve overcome our fear every time, but it hasn’t happened yet.

Old Town Pasadena is another favorite and Highland Park Bowl is a place everyone should visit!

Checking out a jazz show at Vibrato’s is also something not to be missed as well as The Baked Potato!

A major attraction everyone should visit when in LA is Grand Central Market. That is a whole day! So much great food!

Also, Mario’s Peruvian Food on the corner Melrose/Rossmore! Amazing.

Lastly, we’d have to listen to a live salsa band and dance at La Floridita off Vine!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Wow. There are too many to narrow it down to one. If I have to have just one, then I’m going to give a shoutout to my daughter, Sophia Frizzell. ❤️ She was my calling and my path I did not know I needed. We’re each others’ biggest fans, supporters, encouragers! She’s an amazing visual artist and the illustrator behind our children’s book, “Introducing Sai The Peacock: The Unique Beak”

Shoutout to Amira Hussein for thinking of me for this!❤️

Website: https://www.estanifrizzell.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/estanifrizzell/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/estanifrizzell1

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/EstaniFrizzell